South Carolina hay supplies are stretched thin heading into the winter months, notes John Andrae, forage specialist with Clemson University Extension.
"It was another dry summer and yields were way off," he says. "Overall, we're way short of hay. We're into November. People who haven't done so already need to line up their supplies as soon as possible. Hay isn't going to get any cheaper."
The hay/feed shortfall has led to widespread culling by beef producers in many parts of the state. "A lot of people are counting on getting some good winter grazing to pull them through," says Andrae. "We're seeing a lot of overseeding of winter wheat, ryegrass, oats, etc. We've had some decent fall rains in many parts of the state. Hopefully, most people will be in pretty good shape."
To contact Andrae, call 864-656-3504 or email jandrae@clemson.edu.